Missouri Seatbelt Use Below Par Compared To National Average

The Missouri Coalition For Roadway Safety says Seat belt usage in the state is 79 percent for the general public and 67 percent among teenagers. The nationwide average is 85 percent.

The coalition says law enforcement agencies statewide will participate in a quarterly protection enforcement Monday to encourage seat belt use. The coalition for Roadway safety said law enforcement will take a zero tolerance approach in the enforcement of seat belt and child restraint laws during the campaign.

Other strategies to increase seat belt usage in Missouri include portable message boards to post messages about fatalities and seat belt citations, partnering with high schools and large employers to get them to adopt seat belt policies, assisting cities in passing a primary seat belt ordinance within their city limits, and providing incentives to positively reinforce wearing a seat belt.